What to Do If You Lost Your Ontario Driver’s License?
Losing important documents like your driver’s license and health card can be quite stressful, as these are essential for identification and daily activities such as driving and accessing healthcare. If you have unfortunately lost your driver’s license in Ontario, there is no need to panic. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of replacing a lost driver’s license in Ontario step by step. Let’s get started on replacing your lost driver’s license and getting you back on track swiftly and smoothly.
Identify If You are in Ontario or Outside
When replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license in Ontario, the first step is to identify whether you are currently in the province or elsewhere. This will determine the specific steps you need to take to get a replacement Ontario driver’s license.
Determining the Current Location
If you are in Ontario, you must visit a Service Ontario Center in person to replace your lost driver’s license. This ensures you can provide the necessary identification documents and complete the necessary procedures on-site.
Procedure for In-Province Replacement
To replace a lost Ontario driver’s license in person, you will need to present a personal identification document that verifies your name, date of birth, and signature, such as a valid passport or photo health card. At the Service Ontario Center, they will give you a temporary replacement for your driver’s license and email your new license to you within 4 to 6 weeks.
Procedure for Out of the Province Replacement
If you are outside of Ontario, you can still replace your lost Ontario driver’s license by submitting a request via email, fax, or online. This convenient method allows you to handle the process remotely, though you will need to pay the $35.75 fee by sending a cheque or money order, or by providing a credit card authorization form through email or fax.
Replacing a Lost Ontario Driver’s License
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license in Ontario, you must present the necessary identification documents. These should include personal identification that verifies your name, date of birth, and signature, such as a valid passport or a photo health card, along with a birth certificate issued by a Canadian province or territory.
As an Ontario resident, you need to visit a Service Ontario Center to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license. At the center, you will receive a temporary driver’s license, and your new permanent driver’s license will arrive in the email within 4 to 6 weeks.
Fees and Payment
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license in Ontario costs $35.75. You can make payment by cheque, money order, or credit card (Visa or Mastercard). There are no additional charges for postage or mailing when replacing your Ontario driver’s license. However, American Express, Visa debit, and Mastercard debit are not accepted methods for replacing your Ontario driver’s license.
Temporary Ontario Driver’s License for Short Trips
If you are away from Ontario for less than six months, the province can email you a one-time, temporary driver’s license to your out-of-province address. This temporary license is available as long as your Ontario driver’s license is valid and not cancelled or suspended.
Process of Application
To apply for an Ontario temporary driver’s license, you must submit an online request. We will email the temporary driver’s license to your address outside the province within 1 to 2 weeks once we process your request.
Replacing a Lost Ontario Driver’s License for Extended Stays
If you are out of Ontario for more than six months, then you can replace your license with your current photograph and expiry date, provided your driver’s license is valid (not cancelled or suspended). You need to submit an online request and also email or fax a signed Signature Authorization Form along with a Credit Card Authorization Form or payment via cheque/money order.
Submission Through Online Request
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license while you are away from Ontario for over six months, you should complete an online request. During Step 2 of this request, you will have the option to download a signature authorization form and a credit card authorization form. You need to email or fax these forms along with your payment.
Submission Through Email or Fax Request
As an alternative, if you are outside of Ontario, you can replace your lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license by sending a signed letter via email or fax. The letter should state your driver’s license number (or your full name and date of birth if the number is unknown), the duration of your absence, and your out-of-province mailing address, telephone number, and/or email address. Additionally, you must include the $35.75 replacement fee payment.
Reporting a Lost or Stolen Driver’s License
Reporting your lost or stolen driver’s license to the police can be a good precaution. Doing so can assist in preventing identity theft.
Contacting the Law Enforcement
It is important to contact the law enforcement because someone might attempt to use your lost or stolen ID for fraudulent activities.
Preventing Identity Theft
Reporting a lost or stolen Ontario driver’s license to the authorities is an important step in preventing identity theft. By informing the police, you help safeguard your personal information, preventing others from misusing it and protecting yourself from potential financial and legal issues.
If you lose your Ontario driver’s license, report it to the authorities and apply for a replacement at Service Ontario. Doing it quickly will help in preventing the potential misuse of your lost license. And make sure you report the complaint with the legal driving requirements.
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